Leicester Square Christmas Market free entry starts Oct 31 2026
Leicester Square’s Christmas market opens with free admission for visitors. The market runs from 31 Oct 2026 until 3 Jan 2027 and targets international tourists, families and budget‑conscious travellers.
Dans cet article
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L’essentiel
- What changes
- Free admission to Leicester Square Christmas market for the 2026 season
- Timing
- Market runs from 31 Oct 2026 to 3 Jan 2027
- Who is affected
- International visitors, families and budget‑conscious travellers in London
Les détails
- Entrée en vigueur
- 31 Oct 2026 – 3 Jan 2027
- Nouvelle règle
- The market offers free entry for all visitors during the 2026‑2027 festive period, while ice‑skating sessions require paid tickets and may include discounts.
Market opening and free admission
Leicester Square transforms into a festive hub as the Christmas market launches on 31 Oct 2026 and stays open until 3 Jan 2027. Organisers promote the event as a budget‑friendly attraction, emphasizing that entry is completely free for anyone who wishes to explore the decorated stalls, seasonal food outlets and nearby theatres.
- Opening date: 31 Oct 2026
- Closing date: 3 Jan 2027
- Free entry for all visitors, no ticket required
Ice skating ticketing and discounts
The central attraction is the outdoor circular rink surrounding the Shakespeare statue. Ticket prices start at £7.60 plus a £3 transaction fee, with higher rates for premium time slots. A 20 % discount is available to eligible students for Monday‑to‑Thursday sessions booked before 14 Dec 2026. Complimentary companion tickets can be requested for visitors who need a personal assistant or carer.
- Skating tickets start at £7.60 + £3 fee
- Student discount: 20 % off for eligible tickets booked by 14 Dec 2026
- Companion tickets offered free for assistants or carers
- Limited walk‑in tickets subject to availability
Operating hours and seasonal schedule
Opening hours vary across the season. Until 26 Nov, weekdays operate from noon to 10 pm and weekends from 10 am. From 27 Nov onward the rink opens daily between 10 am and 10 pm, with the final session starting at 9.15 pm. Special holiday timings apply: the rink closes on 25 Dec, runs 10 am‑6 pm on 24 Dec, and reopens at noon on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
- Weekday hours (pre‑26 Nov): 12 pm‑10 pm
- Weekend hours (pre‑26 Nov): 10 am‑10 pm
- Daily hours (post‑27 Nov): 10 am‑10 pm, last session 9.15 pm
- Holiday schedule: closed 25 Dec, limited hours 24 Dec, open 26 Dec‑1 Jan
Ce que cela change pour les voyageurs
Préparation du voyage
- Visitors can add a free market visit to any day between 31 Oct 2026 and 3 Jan 2027 without purchasing entry tickets
- Check the rink’s daily opening hours, especially the reduced schedule on 24‑25‑26 Dec, before planning a skating session
- Families should note children under three cannot skate and those under 12 need adult supervision
- Students planning to skate should book before 14 Dec 2026 to secure the 20 % discount
Coût et documents
- Market entry costs nothing; no passport or visa proof is required at the gate
- Ice‑skating tickets start at £7.60 plus a £3 transaction fee; prices vary by time slot
- Student discount tickets require valid student‑status evidence uploaded during purchase
- No additional travel documents are needed beyond standard UK entry requirements
Ce que vous devez faire
- Book skating sessions online in advance to guarantee a time slot, especially on weekends
- Select the student ticket option and upload proof of eligibility to receive the discount
- Monitor official Visit London updates for weather‑related rink closures before travel
- Large groups should contact the organiser for tailored booking arrangements
Qui est concerné
-
International tourists visiting London
The market is promoted as a free‑entry attraction for overseas visitors during the festive season
-
Budget‑conscious travellers
Free admission removes the main cost barrier for exploring the market
-
Families with children
The market is family‑friendly, but skating has age restrictions and supervision rules
À faire Ensure children meet age requirements and arrange adult supervision for skating
-
Students
Students are eligible for a 20 % discount on skating tickets
À faire Provide valid student proof when booking discounted skating tickets
-
Large groups (schools, community clubs)
Organisers offer special rates and tailored booking options for groups
À faire Contact the organiser to request group rates and reservation details
Questions fréquentes
When does the Leicester Square Christmas market open and close?
The market opens on 31 Oct 2026 and remains open until 3 Jan 2027, offering free admission throughout the entire festive period.
Is there any charge to enter the Leicester Square Christmas market?
No, entry to the market is completely free for all visitors; no ticket or fee is required to walk the stalls or enjoy the decorations.
How much does ice skating cost at Leicester Square and are there discounts?
Skating tickets start at £7.60 plus a £3 transaction fee. Eligible students receive a 20 % discount on Monday‑to‑Thursday sessions booked before 14 Dec 2026.
What are the opening hours of the ice rink during the festive season?
Before 26 Nov the rink opens weekdays at noon and weekends at 10 am, both closing at 10 pm. From 27 Nov it operates daily 10 am‑10 pm, with the final session beginning at 9.15 pm, and follows a special holiday schedule in late December.
Can children under three skate at Leicester Square?
Children under three are not allowed to skate; those under 12 may skate only if supervised by an adult.
How can I get the student discount for skating tickets?
Select the student ticket option when booking online and upload valid proof of student status; the 20 % discount applies to eligible sessions booked before 14 Dec 2026.
